08 



NEW LAND. 



In very severe cold say, about 58 Fahr. I often noticed 

 that when the ' Primus ' was lighted a thick layer of rime formed 

 on the canvas of the tent. When this layer grew still thicker, long 

 woolly tassels would hang down from the roof, and with the 

 slightest puff of wind or touch of the tent, came down like snow. 

 It sometimes happened that this snowstorm took place even 

 when the tent was quite still. This phenomenon may be 

 described as a kind of hoar-frost, and, in spite of its violence, 

 has a certain likeness to the rime which, in still, foggy, winter 



KOLOTENGVA'S ARRIVAL. 



atmosphere, forms on the branches of the trees ; and probably 

 it arises from the same cause. Such snowy weather as we 

 had inside the tent at this time I had never seen before, and 

 I have a suspicion that it was the coldest twenty-four hours 

 I have ever experienced. Peary, who was ten or fifteen miles 

 farther north at the same time, says that on the same day they 

 had 67 Fahr. It was then that seven of his toes were frost- 

 bitten, and had to be amputated. We took as little time as possible 

 getting out and creeping into the bag, but directly I was in it I 

 felt that I should not be warm that night, although I had on a full 



